There are three criteria with which people evaluate potential mates: warmth and loyalty, attractiveness and vitality, and status and resources.
Homogamy is much less rigid in structure; a couple can belong to different denominations of Christianity but this will not be a point of contention in the relationship.
Religious couples experience increased commitment and tend to be happier because of the stability and guide lines that religion poses on marriage.
Ellison and Curtis (2002) wrote that decisions on issues relating to family matters may result in greater consensus among couples who choose homogamy.
Marital separation between couples attending a denominational and non-denominational church is generally frowned upon and stigmatized.
There has been a decline in a few industrialized countries regarding the importance of the social background for marriage choice; United States, Hungary, France and the Netherlands.
Today parents do not have any control over their children as the kids spend more time at college or university, increasing their social background.